Yale University

Evaluating Violence against Women Screening in Mexico City

Funder: Anonymous
Project period: 01/01/2012 - 12/31/2014
Grant Type: Research

Abstract Text:

Gender-based violence is a grave health and human rights issue that is inextricably linked to increased vulnerability to poor health outcomes, including HIV/AIDS.  The goal of this study is to develop the state of knowledge in the area of gender-based violence and reproductive and sexual health by conducting a randomized controlled trial to improve the mid-level health care provider's capacity to screen for intimate partner violence and to mitigate associated risk among women's health clinic patrons of reproductive age (ages 18-44) with recent experiences of physical or sexual partner violence in Mexico City. 

The specific objectives of the project are to:

  1. Increase mid-level health care providers' capacity to identify Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and assist women with risk mitigation.  We will achieve this by conducting trainings with refresher sessions with nurses/social workers at selected clinics on intimate partner violence, health impacts of intimate partner violence, documentation, safety planning, and supported referrals.
  2. Utilizing a randomized controlled trial, to assess the impact of an enhanced health care worker screening and counseling program on (a) past year severe IPV (sexual or physical) and injuries from such IPV; (b) reproductive coercion (c) use of community-based resources and safety planning; and (d) risk of homicide; versus minimum standard of care.  We will randomize 34 clinics to receive the either the intervention or standard of care and follow-up 1400 women at baseline, 6 months (T2), and 12 months (T3).
  3. Qualitatively examine which programmatic components may serve as mechanisms for observed changes stated in the second objective
    a. Conduct in-depth interviews with n = 45 women at T3 from treatment clinics
    b. Conduct in-depth interviews with n=15 nurses/workers at T3 from treatment clinics.
  4. Synthesize study findings and a) create recommendations for clinic-based intervention programs to address IPV in low and middle income countries and b) disseminate information as reports, presentation, and peer-reviewed publications.

Collaborators for the study include the National Institute of Public Health – Mexico (Co-PI: Claudia Diaz Olavarrieta), Innovations for Poverty Action, and the International Planned Parenthood Federation – Western Hemisphere.